Draw at Dungannon
It ended in a draw but it felt very like a victory as a 14 man Grosvenor put in probably their best performance of the season against Dungannon II XV.
The match was played in near perfect conditions and it was the home side who started strongly taking the game to Grosvenor up front with a series of forward charges. The big Dungannon centre was punching holes in the defence and after ten minutes he made a great break on half-way and fired out a long pass to Davy Egner who scorched in for a great try against his old club. Conversion missed 5-0. However Grosvenor responded with a super try of their own from a scrum on the Dungannon 22. No.8 Andrew Kelly broke blind and after some great support work from Matty Dick and James Bowman winger Brendan Parke sprinted in for a try in the corner. Grosvenor were then reduced to 14 men when scrum half Matty Fitzsimmons twisted his knee. Dungannon took advantage and forced a penalty to extend restore their lead 8-5. On the stroke of half-time the big Dungannon centre once again made a line break on half way and went on a weaving run to the line for a great score. Conversion missed 13-3.
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Grosvenor were growing in confidence and and began to getthe upper hand in the forward exchanges with Phil Hill, Jack Adams and Lyle McFarland all making surging runs. John Lutton dominated in the lines out stealing several opposition throw ins. Dungannon extended their lead with a penalty but Grosvenor struck back with a superb try in the corner. Brendan Parke, now playing at scrum half, made a superb break on half way and made twenty metres before passing to James Bowman, Andrew Robson and Matty Dick in support. They were hauled down just short of the line but Peter McKeown was on hand to scoop the ball up and dive over for a try.
Conversion missed 16-13. Matty Little brought the scores level with a well struck penalty and Grosvenor them almost scored a sensational try following a counter attack from deep in their own half. Peter McKeown was put away up the wing and was hauled down right on the line by the big Dungannon centre who managed to ‘turtle’ Peter and prevent him grounding the ball. With five minute sto go Dungannon took the lead from an amazing penalty strike by their scrum half from the half-way line. But Grosvenor were not to be outdone and after a series of charges were awarded a penalty in the last minute which Matty Little struck beautifully to make the score 19-19.
Grosvenor showed great character today and are once again playing with confidence and style which will hold them in good stead for the upcoming series of league matches. The defence was good today, the forwards overcame their larger opponents and the backs are playing with pace and power. There were many excellent performances today but Brendan Parke just pips Andrew Kelly for man-of-the-match.
Jug Watch – no jug this week from the Dungannon men but the boys were treated to a great feed of sausages beans and chips plus bread and butter. 8/10
